Health Education Committee Pages

Activities

Epilepsy Study

Idiopathic Epilepsy
Developing a Genetic Marker
Clinical and Genetic Advances
AKC Grant Information
Analogy for a Polygenic Trait
Be Part of the Solution
Glossary of Terms

Health Surveys

2000-2008 CERF Statistics
2003 Health Survey Summary
2003 Health Survey Conditions
2003 Health Survey Statistics
1998 Tervuren Health Survey
1997-1999 CERF Statistics

About the Health Education Committee

While Tervuren generally are healthy dogs, certain conditions occur with some frequency. The most notable of these would be seizure disorders, cataracts, hypothyroidism, allergies, dysplasia (hips and elbows), and osteochondritis. Recently, cases of PRA and Von Willebrands disease have surfaced. The ABTC has long been at the forefront of improving the overall health of our breed by encouraging responsible breeding, and regular health screening through OFA and CERF registry. The Club is making a concerted effort to track the incidence of health problems in Tervuren, and takes positive steps to develop and encourage use of screening tools to control them.

Background information:

The OFA announced a new parent club partnership program titled, “Champions for Health”. The concept originally began in January of ’05 when the OFA website featured the AKC/Eukanuba BIS winning Bloodhound, Ch. Heather’s Knock On Wood. “Knotty” had not only just won one of America’s most prestigious shows, but had a full complement of health certifications as well. In 2006, the “Champion for Health” award was created and sponsored by OFA.

Health Study

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What is the Stomach Cancer Study?

The Michigan State University Center for Comparative Oncology in collaboration with Dr. Tervuren Elaine Ostrander at the National Human Genome Research Institute is conducting a study to determine the cause of stomach cancer in breeds that have an increased risk. Stomach cancer (gastric carcinoma) is a highly malignant cancer and it is almost always fatal. Early detection, prevention, and improved therapies depend on recognition of factors that contribute to causing stomach cancer.

Health Learn More

IF a dog has an OFA number this means that the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has reviewed x-rays of the dogs hips and has found them to be clear of hip dysplasia, and assigned them a rating. OFA numbers are good for the lifetime of the dog.

PRA is a progressive disease of the retinas that leads to blindness. It is inherited, and has been diagnosed in Tervuren of a number of litters over the course of the past ten years and more, with new diagnoses made within this past year. Without a blood test, our breed faces a likelihood of increasing numbers of new cases of PRA. We are pleased to announce that we now have a wonderful opportunity before us to help find a blood test to enable the eradication of PRA in our breed. Read more...

*Objective*—To determine reference ranges for results of hematologic analyses of healthy Belgian Tervuren, to compare results of hematologic analyses for healthy Belgian Tervuren with results for healthy dogs of other breeds, and to determine prevalence of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren.

Having your beloved Belgian go under anesthesia can be a nerve-wracking experience. Understanding exactly what will take place and what questions to ask may help ensure your dog’s safety and your peace of mind.

The thyroid is considered a "master gland" as it is involved in so many metabolic processes in our dogs. While it may not be obvious when things are going well, if your dog becomes hypo or low thyroid, you can see a number of clinical signs.

Why is the elbow an important joint?

The dog carries about 65% of his weight on his front end. Not only do the front legs bear most of the concussion when a jumping dog lands, they also provide a good deal of the propulsion necessary to launch him into the air. The shoulder and elbow joints absorb most of the impact during movement. Those "turn on a dime" movements our Belgians are so fond of can really put some stress on the joints of the forelimb!

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